That was when a crash echoed through the room.
Joelle had sent a set of cups clattering to the floor, showing no concern for their ownership or value.
âConsequences? My daughter is at risk. You think Iâm worried about consequences?â
âJoelle,â Anita Dury, Lucianâs mother, interjected, her voice choked with emotion. âPlease, youâre a mother too, try to understand my feelings. Iâm worried for my son too. Call off your crew, and the moment we get any word about Lucian, weâll let you know without delay.â
With a dismissive laugh, Joelle shook her head. âYou really are generous, accepting your husbandâs children with another woman as if they were your own.â
The color drained from Anitaâs face.
Before Katy could respond, her father, Colby Dury, overcome with anger, exclaimed, âWhat are you trying to say with that?â
âDo you think Iâm talking nonsense?â Joelle snapped back without missing a beat. âIsnât Lucian scheming to get his hands on Raelynâs inheritance? Are you going to tell me you knew nothing about it? If a child makes a mistake, it reflects on the parents. Youâre all involved, whether you admit it or not!â
âYouâ¦â Colby faltered, struggling to form words.
The revelation of Anitaâs secret left her struggling to come to terms with it.
She could not bear children, and during that time, such a condition was a source of mockery, even from her mother-in-law, who deemed her worthless.
Therefore, when Raelyn gave birth to twins on Anitaâs behalf, the latter finally gained acceptance within the Dury family.
Yet, this was not a proud revelation, and neither she nor her husband wanted to broadcast it.
Their attempts to keep this a secret failed when, three years ago, they accidentally disclosed Raelynâs role in a conversation that Lucian happened to overhear.
Since then, he harbored ill intentions, coveting Raelynâs wealth.
Six months ago, Lucian moved out, and shortly thereafter, Raelyn met her end.
They were too fearful to link these events or ponder their implications.
âMom!â Even Katy, who was usually slow on the uptake, felt that something was amiss. âWhatâs happening? What is she saying? Arenât my brother and your own kids?â
Joelle had no interest in their familial conflict. âIâll leave you to resolve your issues. Regarding the inheritance, Iâll speak plainly today. Make sure Lucian hears exactly what I say.â
All eyes in the Dury family turned toward her.
Considering the size of the inheritance at stake, it was naturally enticing.
Standing against the backlight, Joelle positioned herself assertively, more so than at any time since she had arrived. âWe didnât force Raelyn to give us this inheritance. I donât care for it, and Adrian cares even less.â
A spark of hope ignited within the Dury family.
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